Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
All-star virus thriller is intense, uncompromising.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Contagion
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say this film presents a realistic depiction of a global pandemic, drawing parallels to the current COVID-19 crisis and prompting discussions about hygiene and safety. While some find it a thought-provoking and well-made thriller, others consider certain scenes, like graphic autopsies and disturbing deaths, unsuitable for younger viewers and suggest it may be too intense for children under 12.
- realistic depiction
- disturbing content
- unsuitable for young viewers
- promotes hygiene awareness
- thought-provoking thriller
- well-made film
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow), a married Minneapolis executive, flies to Hong Kong on business. Upon her return, she's gripped with flu-like symptoms, has a seizure in her kitchen, and dies. Her husband, Mitch (Matt Damon), is in shock. Meantime, the Center for Disease Control is flooded with calls from around the country -- and the globe; whatever killed Beth is killing plenty of other people, too. Meanwhile, a blogger (Jude Law) is convinced of a government conspiracy and hypes an alternative remedy, while others are up in arms and start looting. It's up to Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) and his investigators (including Kate Winslet), as well as other scientists and doctors around the world, to identify the agent and find a cure before the planet loses millions more citizens.
Is It Any Good?
With a stellar cast, a gripping pace, and a subject matter as hard to shake as the virus that spreads through its story, CONTAGION is a winner. (When your first instinct after seeing the movie is to attempt not to touch anything on your way home and to wash your hands thoroughly, you know it hit its marks.) Though some cast members have more camera time than others -- Damon, for instance, who's first rate, and Fishburne, in a meaty, satisfying role -- the film is a masterful ensemble piece in which no one hogs the spotlight.
Given the subject matter, it's surprising how Contagion doesn't unfold like a hospital-based TV drama. Jargon pops up in seemingly organic and very necessary moments; it's explained well, too. Emotional moments are used selectively, grounding the film in humanity without becoming maudlin (or manipulative). An Internet subplot hovers dangerously close to excess, but manages to pull away from the brink. All in all, it's a Soderbergh win.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes this film scary and/or intense. Is it the tone? The subject matter? Are you scared that something like this could really happen?
Parents, talk to your kids about any fears the movie raises. For tips, try this article.
How does the movie portray the Internet as a source of information regarding disease and health?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 9, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : January 3, 2012
- Cast : Kate Winslet , Marion Cotillard , Matt Damon
- Director : Steven Soderbergh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing content and some language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 20, 2024
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